Sandy Claims AP Woman's Life

Hurricane Sandy claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman from the city, who was pursuing master’s in New York, on Tuesday morning. The victim was identified as Vishwaja Muppa, 21, from Jubilee Hills. Vishwaja was pursuing Masters in Biology at Stony Brook University in New York State. The mishap occurred in the wee hours of Tuesday at the intersection of Routes 347 and 112 in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island, New York, when the Toyota Highlander carrying Vishwaja and her three friends collided with Suffolk County Police officer Rene Garcia’s car. Vishwaja died on the spot , while her three friends, who also suffered critical injuries, are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. According to a Suffolk police spokesperson, the traffic light at the road intersection, where the mishap had occurred, was not functioning at the time of the crash. Police suspect that the Sandy hurricane might be the reason for the defunct traffic signal, which led to the accident. According to Vishwaja’s family friend Uma from Banjara Hills, her father M Narendar Reddy, a private contractor, and mother Jyothy stay in New Jersey. “Only her grandfather Dr Manohar Reddy, stays at MLA Colony on Road Number 10, Banjara Hills. We are shocked to hear the news. We came to know that the final rites will be performed in the US,” Uma added.